The challenges and issues confronting family caregivers to elderly cancer patients

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Life expectancy has increased dramatically in decades, producing an equally dramatic expansion in the size of the elderly population. Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults, its incidence rising appreciably with age. Cancer is now more frequently screened for, detected earlier, and aggressively treated in older adults, as reflected in a policy shift by the National Institute of Health regarding the former exclusion of the elderly from most clinical trials. In addition, given that the number and severity of chronic health conditions increase with age, the cancer diagnosis may not initiate the family's caregiving role, but rather expand upon or add to an already existing set of care responsibilities. The physiological changes in organ function associated with aging place the older cancer patient at increased risk for treatment-related toxicities and may contribute to the emergence of late-treatment effects on normal tissues and vital organs, months and even years following treatment completion.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationLessons on Aging from Three Nations
Subtitle of host publicationVolume II: The Art of Caring for Older Adults
PublisherTaylor and Francis
Pages85-97
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)9781351843287
ISBN (Print)0895033704, 9780895033703
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2018

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology

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